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Sandra Wagner-Wright

Rama's Labyrinth: A Biographical Novel (Women of Determination and Courage)

Synopsis

Biographical historical fiction that takes the reader across India during the last decades of the British Raj.
From a girlhood among Hindu shrines to widowhood and Christian conversion, Rama seeks her destiny. Is it only to educate Hindu widows? Or does God have a larger plan in mind?
Rama’s Labyrinth traces the life of Pandita Ramabai, a social reformer who rose above personal adversity to rescue and educate famine victims.

Author Biography

Sandra Wagner-Wright holds the doctoral degree in history and taught women’s and global history at the University of Hawai`i. Rama’s Labyrinth is her first work of historical fiction. When she’s not researching or writing, Sandra enjoys travel, including trips to India, South Africa, and the Galapagos Islands. Sandra particularly likes writing about strong women who make a difference. She lives in Hilo, Hawai`i with her family and writes a weekly blog relating to history, travel, and the idiosyncrasies of life. Check out Sandra’s webpage at www.sandrawagnerwright.com

Author Insight

What does "committed" mean?

Rama passed the university Sanskrit exams and received the title "pandita." Rama addressed her first audience about the need for women's education. But she wondered if her own commitment was real. Just because she was an educated woman didn't mean Rama had committed her life to women's education. How would she decide?

Book Excerpt

Rama's Labyrinth: A Biographical Novel (Women of Determination and Courage)

Swamaprabha Devi’s bangles jingled as she gestured to a modestly dressed woman in a simple white sari. “This is my husband’s sister-in-law, Lady Abala Bose. Her family’s been in Brahmo Samaj since the beginning. Like you, she’s committed to women’s education.”

Rama wondered if the comparison was accurate. Am I really committed to women’s education? Or do I just demonstrate its effects?